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Close To Nature – Fashion Inspired by Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice

It’s hard for me not to think of Pride & Prejudice (2005) and not think of how the cinematography, particularly the scenes of nature influence my enjoyment of this film.The imagery is lush and the locations are sumptuous. After all, what is a Jane Austen adaptation without landscapes playing a major role? The influence of her garden and the surrounding fields of the English terrain are evident in her writing of the outdoors.

In Jane’s world, women of that time were largely confined to their homes and carriages. To Austen herself, as well as her fictional heroines, the most pleasant and significant moments of life were spent not inside but striding out. Walking moves the body freely, increasing the character’s ability to see and experience the world literally on her own two feet. Walking similarly moves the events of Austen's plots forward, underlining progression and transformation.

Legions of fans find inspiration in her daring heroines, that have a bit of rebellion and girl power. Come on, how could Elizabeth Bennet not be at the top of the list? Conventional young English ladies did not go traipsing about the countryside alone, but Elizabeth did!

I considered a way to pay homage to Lizzy Bennet’s independent spirit while incorporating one of my favorite subjects…fashion; mother nature was definitely the catalyst for my creative inspiration. It is a challenge incorporating elements of Pride and Prejudice into modern style without the interpretation resembling a costume. So I assembled contemporary looks that bear a whimsical likeness to Elizabeth’s unique nature.

Before I share the fashion collection, I want to expound upon Elizabeth’s connection with the outdoors and what it represents. In Jane Austen’s novels, location and setting are just as vital as dialogue, characters, and courtship to the overall plot. A particular pattern in Pride and Prejudice suggests a subtle balance between what occurs indoors versus outdoors in relationship to the heroine.

In the novel, it would be difficult not to notice that the more pleasurable experiences that offer her contentment and autonomy take place outdoors. She is comfortable in this setting; defining a space of her own. It shows her determination and embodies her lively, independent personality. Besides her quickness, intelligence and talent for conversation; her impetuous activity and love of the outdoors are also attributes that attract the hero. With her face glowing from the warmth of exercise, Mr. Darcy would have to have been blind not to recognize Elizabeth’s sensuality, and let’s not forget, her fine eyes.

Notably, when the path to the couple’s understanding is set in motion they do not come face to face within the walls of Pemberley, but rather outside surrounded by natural beauty. The estate is overflowing with stunning, spacious grounds where Elizabeth can roam and will eventually become its mistress. The final scene of reconciliation and Darcy’s heartfelt second proposal both, not surprisingly, happen outdoors. With all of their former prejudices resolved, Elizabeth and Darcy are finally able to unite and nature serves as the backdrop to their professions of love.

And now for an outpouring of nature à la Jane Austen, perhaps it will inspire you to finds ways to add a bit of the outdoors into your wardrobe. Shall we take a turn about the garden?

Thanks so much Jeane! I appreciate your kind words and assistance. This post was a lot of fun to work on...how could it not be? After all, the theme combined two of my favorite subjects, Pride & Prejudice and Fashion!!! I thank you for providing both the platform and opportunity! Now on to the next post… :)

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Pride & Prejudice (2005)

starring Keira Knightley & Matthew Macfadyen

Synopsis

Pride & Prejudice 2005Synopsis

When Elizabeth Bennet (Keira Knightley) meets the handsome Mr. Darcy (Matthew Macfadyen), she believes he is the last man on earth she could marry. But as their lives become intertwined in an unexpected adventure, she finds herself captivated by the very person she swore to loathe for all eternity. Based on the beloved masterpiece by Jane Austen, it is the classic tale of love and misunderstanding that sparkles with romance, wit and emotional force. Critics are calling it "Exhilarating. A joy from start to finish." (Carina Chocano, Los Angeles Times)

Taglines

Pride & Prejudice 2005Taglines

~*~ Sometimes the last person on earth you want to be with is the one person you can't be without.~*~A romance ahead of its time.

~*~ An opinionated young woman and an arrogant, rich snob overcome their initial antipathy and various other social obstacles to fall in love.

~*~This holiday season, experience the greatest love story of all time.

P&P Soundtrack

01. Dawn02. Stars And Butterflies03. The Living Sculptures Of Pemberley04. Meryton Townhall05. The Militia Marches In06. Georgiana07. Arrival At Netherfield08. A Postcard To Henry Purcell09. Liz On Top Of The World10. Leaving Netherfield11. Another Dance12. The Secret Life Of Daydreams13. Darcy's Letter14. Can't Slow Down15. Your Hands Are Cold16. Mrs. Darcy17. Credits

Music Written & Performed by Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Academy Award Winner Dario Marianelli

Performed by pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet with The English Chamber Orchestra

Stage Play and TV & Film Schedule

»Love Song - In US Theaters February 17, 2017 (Jena Malone co-stars as Mindy)» Tulip Fever - In US Theaters August 25, 2017 (Judi Dench as The Abbess of St. Ursula and Tom Hollander co-star as Dr. Sorgh. Cornelius Booth also stars)» Victoria and Abdul - In US Theaters September 22, 2017 (Judi Dench co-stars and reprising her Mrs. Brown role as Queen Victoria)» Murder on the Orient Express - In US Theaters November 22, 2017 (Judi Dench co-starsasPrincess Dragomiroff)» Darkest Hour - In US Theaters November 24, 2017 (directed by Joe Wright)

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Pride & Prejudice (2005) Blogis a fan resource only (for all P&P 05 actors news and P&P/Jane Austen related news and articles) and is part of Pride & Prejudice (2005) forum. It is, however, NOT affiliated to Focus Features, Working Title Productions, UniversalPictures, its creators, producers, and director (Joe Wright) or P&P Actors Keira Knightley, Matthew Macfadyen, Rosamund Pike,Simon Woods, Tom Hollander, Jena Malone, Carey Mulligan, Talulah Riley, Rupert Friend, Kelly Reilly, Claudie Blakley, Brenda Blethyn, Donald Sutherland, and Judi Dench. All P&P images, banners, Youtube video trailers and clips, film and actors' images are copyright to their respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended. All the materials used here is just for entertainment purposes only and no profit is being made from this P&P fan blog.